More than 100K Used Vernon Rail Trail System in 2017: Report

VERNON, CT – Vernon Mayor Daniel A. Champagne announced on Monday that the town’s portion of the Rails to Trails system has received recognition by the Connecticut Trail Census as one of the most enjoyed trails in the state.

The Connecticut Trail census, conducted by the University of Connecticut and the Naugatuck Valley Council

of Governments collects data from multi-use trails around the state. Trail data is collected using an infrared
monitor and is supplemented with manual counts by volunteers.

The report confirmed that the Hop River Trail was visited by 133,000 hikers, bikers and walkers in 2017.

“Vernon’s Rails to Trails is one of the most recognized and scenic treasures of our town” Champagne said. “I’m grateful for the countless Vernon Greenways volunteers that support our Parks and Recreation Department by keeping the trail in its pristine condition, giving visitors the opportunity to enjoy
nature in an unspoiled setting."

“The Parks and Recreation Department and Vernon Greenways volunteers have a tremendous partnership
that contributes to the considerable usage of the trail and to this statewide recognition” said Marty Sitler,
Director of the Vernon Parks and Recreation Department.

“Together with the Parks and Recreation Department, we monitor the trail and maintain a safe experience for
Vernon residents and outdoor enthusiasts from the entire region” said Don Bellingham, President of Vernon
Greenways.

The Vernon Greenways organization includes a trail maintenance team, a weed-whacking team,
planting adopters, trail managers, and ad-hoc work events to cleanup and repair trail areas. The organization also provides 8,000 trail maps and 12,000 dog litter bags annually, and is funded exclusively by private tax deductible donations. For more information please visit www.vernongreenways.org.

The Vernon portion of the Hop River Trail is part of the Rails-to-Trails initiative, which converts abandoned
railway lines to multi-use public trails. The trail begins at the Manchester town line, and runs 5.1 miles through both suburban and forested areas to the Bolton town line, where it joins the Hop River State Park Trail.

The leveled, stone dust surface is suitable for a variety of activities including hiking, biking, dog walking, and scenic viewing of the Tankerhoosen River, with cross-country skiing and snowshoeing in the winter.

For more information on Vernon Rails to Trails, contact the Vernon Parks and Recreation Department at 860-870-3520.

Photo Credit: Chris Dehnel